Method and system for the automatic configuration of conference resources

Abstract

A method for the automatic configuration of conference resources includes receiving a user request identifying at least one conference resource to be used in a conference. The at least one conference resource is reserved for the conference. Operation of the conference resource is automatically initiated without user interaction.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates generally to communication systems and, more particularly, to a method and system for the automatic configuration of conference resources.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Historically, telecommunications have involved the transmission of voice and fax signals over a network dedicated to telecommunications, such as the Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) and a Private Branch Exchange (PBX). Similarly, data communications between computers have been historically transmitted on a dedicated data network, such a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). Currently telecommunications and data transmissions are being merged into an integrated communication network using technology such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Since many LANs and WANs transmit computer data using Intranet Protocol (IP), VoIP uses this existing technology to transmit voice and fax signals by converting these signals into digita...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]The present invention provides a method and system for the automatic configuration of conference resources that substantially eliminates or reduces at least some of the disadvantages and problems associated with previous methods and systems.

[0008]Technical advantages of particular embodiments include systems and methods that enable conference resources to act as active participants in a conference meeting. For example, conference resources may be automatically configured to power on or otherwise begin to operate based on a calendared event or other reservation-triggered event. Specifically, reserved conference resources may be automatically powered-up at the occurrence of or just before a designated time of the conference. As a result, the initiation of a conference may be more seamless, and conference participants may focus on the substantive purpose of the conference meeting rather than the equipment being used. Employee resources are saved since conference attendees are not required to get conference equipment up and running prior to the conference meeting. Furthermore, where the above-described services are offered on a multipoint level, conference equipment at different locations may be powered up at the same time. Accordingly, certain embodiments, may allow conference participants at all the locations to be brought into the conference at the same time, preventing some conference participants from missing the beginning of a conference meeting.

Problems solved by technology

Current reservation systems, however, do not allow for the unified scheduling of individuals, conference rooms, and conference equipment.

Furthermore, even when resources are reserved in advance, a great deal of effort and human involvement is required to power up and configure the resources at the start of the conference.

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